Latest news with #CrashAwarenessReductionEffort
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VSP: 7 died in Memorial Day weekend crashes in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Preliminary data released by Virginia State Police (VSP) show that seven people died in crashes over 2025 Memorial Day Weekend, almost cutting the number of deaths in half compared to the recorded 13 deaths during the 2024 weekend. VSP warns drivers to still keep their guards up on the roads, as 25 deaths were recorded the week following the holiday in 2024. 'With graduations and summer travel continuing beyond this past weekend, we are continuing to ask drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive sober, and avoid distractions,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. The fatal crashes occurred in the the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, as well as Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier and Spotsylvania counties. The fatal crash in Bedford County Saturday afternoon, which was a hit-and-run involving a bicycle and a second vehicle, remains under investigation. All VSP troopers were on patrol during the weekend as a part of Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort). Virginia State Police collaborates with North Carolina State Highway Patrol to reduce impaired driving VSP troopers cited over 3,300 drivers for speeding and over 1,500 drivers for reckless driving. Seventy-one drivers were arrested for driving under the influence and 405 drivers were cited for violating the 'hands-free' phone law. While the numbers are down across the board, Hanley said there is still work to be done. 'Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
MSHP sets Memorial Day counting period, gives safety advice
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced it has set the Memorial Day weekend counting period and offers safety advice to holiday travelers. In a press release, MSHP reminds everyone to include safety when planning the holiday weekend. People may see an increase in travelers on roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state's lakes and rivers. The Memorial Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26. Every available trooper will be on the road or water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations and impaired drivers. MSHP will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the holiday weekend. Over the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were 1,046 vehicle crashes statewide, which injured 486 people and killed 10. Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries. Memorial Day weekend marks an unofficial start to boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes, which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year's Memorial Day weekend. Troopers also made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests. MSHP reminds drivers and boaters to always be courteous and pay attention. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use MSHP's Emergency Assistance number at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. MSHP said speed, inattention and impaired driving are the leading causes of traffic crashes. Drivers should obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or car seat. When on the water, boaters are encouraged to be courteous to others, wear a life jacket, obey the law regarding the safe operation of a boating vessel and always observe no-wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement or civil liability.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
KSP is preparing for Super Bowl LIX with a new playbook: Here are some tips troopers suggest
MOREHEAD, Ky. (FOX 56) — With Super Bowl Sunday around the corner, Kentucky State Police (KSP) is preparing to prevent disaster across the Commonwealth's roads before crashes and other hazards occur. RELATED l Here's where KSP will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints to kick off February The Kentucky State Police Department's game plan, called Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), is a national initiative that focuses on reducing traffic crashes and preventing impaired driving, with the hopes of making the roads safer for everyone. KSP's Operation CARE will involve troopers focusing their efforts on potential traffic crimes such as speeding, impaired or distracted driving, and failing to wear seatbelts before they can lead to a crash or worse. To help drivers 'score a win' for safety, state police offered a few tips in a news release on Friday: Have a 'game plan': If you plan to drink during your Super Bowl festivities, arrange a designated driver, call a ride-sharing service, or stay overnight at your host's house. Make sure to wear your seatbelt Move over for first responders and emergency vehicles. Kentucky's Slow Down, Move Over Law requires drivers to switch lanes or slow down to ensure safety. Stay focused and keep distractions like phones 'on the sidelines' while driving. Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road. Changes coming to Kentucky's 'Slow Down, Move Over' law: What you can expect on the highways Troopers asked that if you spot someone driving dangerously, report it to your nearest KSP Post or call local law enforcement. You can find the nearest post with this map. 'KSP asks citizens to join the team to ensure everyone's Super Bowl celebration ends with cheers, not tears,' troopers said. 'We can all enjoy the big game safely by following these tips and staying vigilant.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.